A mention in National Geographic

 It is just so super cool to appear in a National Geographic article. This was a article on the emotion of Awe (the focus of my undergraduate research) and i got quoted on it. 

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/health/article/science-of-awe-health-benefits.

“Awe is my reminder that beneath the ordinary lies the infinite” says Hari Srinivasan, a doctoral student in neuroscience at Vanderbilt University

I had a lot of fun with the questions posed to me by the reporter. 

What did not get included was how in our n our research on awe in autism, we found that while nature is the top source for everyone, autistic people are more likely to feel awe in science, patterns, big abstract ideas, and even divine or absolute truth, and less in social gatherings. It’s a more abstract and less socially grounded quality of awe. That matters for well-being, because it shows awe isn’t one-size-fits-all - practices like nature walks, stargazing, or exploring new scientific ideas can be especially powerful, low-stress ways for autistic flourishing.

For autistics, awe often rises from the natural world, big abstract ideas and patterns, rather than social moments; a different path, but just as vital for human flourishing.

Another Vanderbilt Brain Institute Retreat and Poster Presentation

Another lovely day of listening to talks and a poster presentation

 

Autism Europe Congress

 Really had the most wonderful time at the congress. 

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The Autism-Europe International Congress 2025, which ran 11-13 September and was hosted by AsIAm - Ireland’s Autism Charity, brought nearly 2,000 people to Dublin.
The programme featured speakers from around the world, who shared knowledge and experience to enhance the quality of life of autistic people. The programme was designed by an autistic-led scientific committee. One of the researchers on this committee was Hari Srinivasan.
Hari is a PhD candidate in neuroscience at Vanderbilt University, who researches sensorimotor issues in autistic people. He is also a strong advocate for autistic people.
“At the heart of my work is a dual mission: to create solutions for disability challenges and create opportunities that speak to our strengths. Its not an either/or choice. We need both opportunities and solutions, as disability is both strengths and challenges — to help shape a world that is more navigable, respectful, and inclusive for those of us who experience it differently.”
At the end of the three days, Hari sent us this short video to share his feelings about the congress.

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We saw this absolutely incredible PhD neuroscience candidate Hari Srinivasan at the European Congress hosted by Autism-Europe aisbl and AsIAm - Ireland’s Autism Charity last week. Such exciting research happening. What a vibrant event and I felt so lucky to get to learn from such a brilliant young mind as Hari. Thank you for making the journey and telling us about your research. The Psychological Society of Ireland

End of a fantastic conference. It was nice to meet the folks, i had only seen over zoom or emailed with. And I had quite the crowd at my research poster, which always feels good (well, I do get to do cool research). And i made a video clip with reflections for the conf - its just a couple of sentences in my own voice BUT it starts and ends with a phrase in Gaelic.

Those of us working in the autism field right now—whether researcher, clinician, policymaker, self-advocate, parent/caregiver— bring perspectives & lived experiences that matter, regardless of whether that perspective is communicated using words, sounds, signs, writing, typing, and/or AAC devices. Instead of judging how others communicate, imagine what we could achieve collectively by focusing on bridge-building and working together to improve quality of life for all people on the autism spectrum. Centering empathy and our shared humanity seems like a powerful place to start.

I’m grateful to call Hari Srinivasan a friend & colleague and for the chance to spend time together in Dublin last week with him & his incredible mother. Hari is an inspiring “Awe-tistic Neuroscientist PhD Candidate” at Vanderbilt University, conducting important research, and supported me during the 14th Autism Europe International Congress when I needed it the most. Thanks, Hari, for the reminder to keep going, even when this work is heavy. Sláinte to health and looking for the helpers and bridge-builders, centering kindness, joy, and more empathy in our world 💚 Eron Friedlaender Eziafakaku Nwokolo PhD, BCBA, QBA Sarah Nannery

Autism 4 Dummies.

 I got to co-write the foreword for new Autism 4 Dummies book with Dr Temple Grandin. You can read the full text of the foreword on the Frist Center Website

 https://www.vanderbilt.edu/autismandinnovation/nise-fellow-hari-srinivasan-co-authors-foreword-with-temple-grandin-in-autism-for-dummies/

🎉 We sincerely congratulate Hari Srinivasan, one of our Neurodiversity Inspired Science and Engineering (NISE) fellows. Hari co-authored the foreword for the new book Autism for Dummies with Temple Grandin. 🎉

📖 For those interested in reading Hari's section of the forward, it is provided, with permission, on our website here: https://www.vanderbilt.edu/autismandinnovation/nise-fellow-hari-srinivasan-co-authors-foreword-with-temple-grandin-in-autism-for-dummies/

📘 Those interested in buying the book can find it here: https://bookshop.org/p/books/autism-for-dummies/0071904a7d5f2bf3?ean=9781394301003&next=t
📕 Those interested in other books relating to the staff and students at FCAI can find them on our books page: https://www.vanderbilt.edu/autismandinnovation/books/

Congratulations again, Hari, on your continually inspiring prose.

Book credit:
Title: Autism for Dummies
Authors: Khushboo Chabria, Ranga Jayaraman, and John Marble
Copyright © 2025 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Comments

• Hari, I always love the depth and energy you bring to your work! I feel that the internet is saturated with duplicate content, repeated over and over for clickbait or other purposes, and cutting through the noise with work like yours is exactly what I intend to do.
• Love it, Hari! Really captures such a sweeping array of perspectives with grace and wisdom. Well done!
• Congrats, Hari! I love your foreword- so honest, practical, helpful and well- written. I’m sure it will further the understanding of autistic experience. Thank you!
• So well written. He skillfully captures the complexities and uniqueness of the autism spectrum while providing direction for action and purpose. 
• I have to say, you are so inspiring.  Good role model. TY for infusing hope
• Very nicely done Hari. Congratulations.
• Beautifully written. It makes you feel his world.
• Thank you for representing our community and so grateful for your commitment & dedication Hari !!
• Very cool Hari! Temple is such an inspiration! I saw a great documentary about her and her work.
• This is fantastic. Inspirational! When it comes out, we need to highlight on website and Bluesky.
• I love how Hari called out what Dr Grandin missed. - eg: its beyond early childhood intervention - his speech is still improving. 
• Amazingly written
• Superb
• Amazing as always
• This is so great, Hari! 
• This is so wonderful
• Truly Amazing
• Amazing

• I’m excited to read this inspiring book from people that continue to pave the way. Research and execution of therapeutic strategies has made all the difference over the years for people with all levels of Autism to pursue their full potential. Understanding is critical to gaining support. Different needs for throughout life stages. This knowledge gives practical answers and hope for a bright future!

2025 Career Luminary Award

Yes. I got one of those glass triangles on the table. Solid and heavy. 

Super cool to get an Impact Award.

Special shoutout to Keivan Stassun & Tim Vogus for recruiting me to Vanderbilt University in the first place, to be able to contribute to IMPACT here.

Established in 2024, these awards recognize the essential contributors to student career growth across eleven categories for faculty, staff, alums, parents, employer partners, and students.

Dear Hari Srinivasan, 

Congratulations! You are a 2025 recipient of the Career Luminary Award.

Your outstanding contributions to career empowerment within our university community have not gone unnoticed, and we are thrilled to honor your dedication and excellence. These awards are incredibly special,

Career Luminary Award (Current PhD Student): This award celebrates a graduate student who has shown exceptional dedication to career development within their academic program and has made a significant impact on career-related initiatives.

 

First Peer Review

Just completed a peer review for JADD (Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders). Good to get to contribute to the scientific process from the other side. It’s unexpectedly empowering to get to evaluate work in your field.

 

🎓 What’s Peer Review?

Before a research paper gets published in  a scientific journal, they’re sent to 2-3 other experts in the same field (🧠 like me now!) to read and give detailed feedback. It’s not just saying a simple yes or no. As a reviewer, you're expected to check if the research question is meaningful, evaluate whether the methods and data are sound, identify missing info or unclear sections, suggest improvements, flag any ethical / technical concerns and recommend whether it should be accepted, revised, or rejected. The goal is to make sure the science is solid before it becomes part of the official literature. The goal is to check for quality, accuracy, and whether the work adds something new to the field. It’s kind of like a report card for a research paper, by people who understand the topic.

Graduate Appreciation Week

Dear Graduate Students,

 

As we kick off national Graduate Student Appreciation Week, I want to be the first to tell you how grateful we here in the BRET Office are that you are part of our Vanderbilt community. We thank you for the contributions you have made and are making to the progress of science. Your effort and perspectives are important to our faculty, staff, postdocs, and your fellow grad students.

 

Your hard work, dedication, and resilience are critical elements for our pushing the frontiers of biomedical research, and it is privilege for us to help you along the way.

 

On behalf of all of my BRET Office colleagues …. thank you for all of your contributions.

  

Walter J. Chazin, PhD
Chancellor’s Chair in Medicine
Departments of Biochemistry and Chemistry
Senior Associate Dean for Graduate and Postdoctoral Education

    and Training, School of Medicine Basic Sciences
Director, Molecular Biophysics Training Program

Founding Director, Center for Structural Biology